BOTTOM FISHING. 5 



more than the depth of the water, and the lowest shot 

 with which the line is loaded, to balance the float, should 

 be at least a foot above the hook. There is another 

 advantage in the bait resting on the bottom, and that 

 is, that is its natural position, and it does not thus 

 challenge the suspicion of the fish ; and as the gut, which 

 is in immediate connection with the hook, rests on the 

 bottom too, it is not seen. That most cunning of all fish, 

 the carp, may be taken in this way when it would be 

 hopeless to fish for him with the bait hanging just off the 

 bottom, for he could then see the gut at once, and also the 

 shots that weight the line, and probably the float above ; 

 and if the float is of a nice white and vermilion, or some 

 other dazzling rainbow colour, it will afford the old carp a 

 capital text on which to preach an instructive sermon to 

 the young ones on scarlet abominations and the Lady of 

 Babylon. 



To fish in this way, however, you must have a clear 

 bottom and free from weeds, otherwise the bait will sink 

 amongst the weeds and be hidden. If the pond, there- 

 fore, has any gravelly places, or hard clay bottoms, then 

 if they are not clear of weeds, you should get some one to 

 rake spaces. A very large space is not required one or 

 two spots, some 30ft. or 40ft. square, will suffice ; of course, 

 the larger they are in reason the better chance for more 

 fish, but if places like these be cleaned out between the 

 weeds, here the big carp and tench will wallow and feed ; 

 and if before fishing the angler baits such spots for a few 

 days with a good store of ground bait, such as malt, rice, 

 pearl barley, boiled potatoes, or worms and gentles, so as 

 to accustom the fish to feed there, he will much increase 

 his sport. If he is not able to do this, and has only say 

 one day's fishing at his disposal, his best plan is first to 



